throet

So why did you have them on your bike, especially riding downhill? Is it this single incident that made you draw this conclusion or have you done sufficient research to know these things simply don't happen with aluminum bars? My bike came with carbon bars, and when I noticed how much better my arms felt when riding on them, I bought a pair for my second bike. No matter how "smooth your bike rides", there will be vibrations passing through the handle bars. Carbon absorbs those vibrations much better than aluminum. For somebody with tendinitis or other issues, that can make a big difference. I've heard that titanium does an even better job dampening vibrations but I'm not sure how much stronger it is. I actually appreciate the alert and certainly have thought about the consequences of a bar failing. I'd really like to see the manufacturers publish better safety information relating to stuff like this, but of course it is an inherently dangerous sport to begin with.

More about the feel than the weight for me, and I ride 5 times per week, weekends included (18 miles of Brushy goodness this morning). Sounds like what you're saying is that nobody under any circumstance should ever ride carbon bars, but doesn't it really come down to riding style and other factors, such as bar width? Remember what you taught me when I was just getting into the sport - light hands, heavy feet?

Me too. Less vibration than alloy.

My plan is to do a single, chill morning loop on Monday. My goal will be to not get lapped by any of you bad asses.

I'm sure some of you will be moving so fast it doesn't matter, but the horseflies were relentless out there yesterday when Albert and I were clearing trees between Cedar Breaks and Crockett Gardens. If you ride slow like me or plan on frequent stops, some Deet might be in order.

Great ride this morning despite the humidity. HoneyBadger even earned an Eagle Scout patch for administering first aid to a bloodied and bruised rider we came across who took a nasty spill on Rim.

Once again the guys at Monkey Wrench came through big for me. With one bike in need of major work and the other needing replacement parts from two separate manufacturers, these guys turned both bikes around in just a few days. I would have been thrilled to just get one bike back for the weekend, but instead returned home with 2 bikes and a big smile. These guys really rock! Can't imagine getting more personalized service anywhere.

So far we have @throet, @Chief, and @Cafeend confirmed for 7:30am under the 183A overpass. We'll meetup with @HoneyBadger at 8am in front of Mulligan. @Albert was a maybe when I last spoke to him yesterday. Anybody else joining can meet at either the starting point or the Mulligan rendezvous point.

The more of this work I do, the greater appreciation I have for the many folks who do way more of it than I do.

+1

Wow that's crazy! Where exactly did it break?

How about meeting over by mulligan around 8? We can just work our way over there.

I have a 125mm on one bike and a 100mm on another bike and have always wondered why so many people want 150mm or 170mm. On my 125mm even if I drop it all the way down, my bad knees can barely get me back up.

I noticed that the Camp Eagle Classic is this weekend. Anybody going? Is it always scheduled this early in the year? Suspect it will be mighty hot out there.

I should be in. Just need to make sure I can get one of my bikes back.

I might try to make it but I'll be on foot since my bikes are in the shop.

The missing part of the state may as well be Oklahoma anyway.

I'll PM you

Sounds like we're in the same hood. What time of day are you riding over there? I usually ride Brushy 4 times per week, mostly Deception.

No doubt!

I see that now, and the cockpit is massive, both seated and standing. Would be interesting to get a leg over one. Maybe Medium is the new Large. Both of my local bikes are out of commission right now, and I've been salivating over all the new models being introduced. With 2 mid-travel FS 29ers and a traditional XC 29er HT already in the stable, I think anything new for me would come in the form of an aggressive 650B HT, something like the Transition Throttle that would be fun on the trail or as a dirt jumper.

That sucks! Has only happened to me once. My backup bike has a mechanical dropper; so even when it fails you can get it back in either the middle or high position by hand. Wish they all worked that way.

I was just checking out Bike Radar's Top 5 Enduro / Trail bikes for 2019, and not surprisingly there wasn't a single bike in there that I would consider a traditional mid-travel trail bike. That said, the new Mondraker Foxy Carbon 29 is one of the finest looking bikes I've ever laid my eyes on. When I went to their website to check out the specs, I found that they have their bikes listed as DH, Super Enduro, Enduro/AM, Trail, and XC. Seems that previously Trail and AM were becoming one classification, but now we're essentially seeing 2 separate enduro bike classifications, at least from one manufacturer. Pretty crazy, but perhaps a sign of how popular Enduro and Park riding are becoming. As much as I'd love to add a 150/160 bike to my stable, I just can't see it given the type of riding I do. For me 130mm travel still seems to be the sweet spot.

@MrTheCatLady You really came off the edge nicely and even seemed to land clean, possibly still a little too upright upon landing which brought your weight forward coming over that second little ledge. Anyway, this is why I like to come over with less speed and a controlled front wheel lift, landing well ahead of that second little drop.